Paul G. de Marteau served as Chief of the Belgian Restitution Mission in Austria. From the Mission’s headquarters in Vienna, de Marteau oversaw efforts to recover works of art, archives, and other cultural objects looted from Belgium during the war. He managed hundreds of claims for looted objects, maintained close correspondence with other Belgian Monuments Men, and liaised with the Allied Commission for Austria. Unable to remain on the sidelines, de Marteau was also active in the field investigating claims for looted art and signing restitution receipts on behalf of the Belgian Government.

 

De Marteau remained a leading participant in the recovery of Belgian cultural heritage until at least July 1947.

 

The Foundation is very interested in learning more about de Marteau’s life, as well as his service as a Monuments Man. If you have any information, please contact abottinelli@monumentsmenfoundation.org.